Sharon Nelson

Sharon Kay Nelson^[2] (born 1951) is an American politician from the state of Washington.

Sharon Nelson
Sharon Nelson
Majority Leader of the Washington Senate
In office November 15, 2017 – January 14, 2019
Preceded by	Mark Schoesler
Succeeded by	Andy Billig
Minority Leader of the Washington Senate
In office December 16, 2013 – November 15, 2017
Preceded by	Ed Murray
Succeeded by	Mark Schoesler
Member of the Washington Senate from the 34th district
In office December 2, 2010 – January 14, 2019
Preceded by	Joe McDermott
Succeeded by	Joe Nguyen
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 34th district
In office November 6, 2007 – December 2, 2010
Preceded by	Joe McDermott
Succeeded by	Joe Fitzgibbon
Personal details
Born	Sharon Kay Nelson 1951 (age 73–74)[1] Park Rapids, Minnesota
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	John R. Nelson
Children	2
Education	Whitman College (BS)
Website	Official website

Background

Nelson is the former Chief of Staff to then King County Council Chair Dow Constantine. She has long been a leader in the fight to protect Maury Island from the expansion of a gravel mine on the island's shore.^[3] Senator Nelson, a former Bank Executive, has lived on Maury Island since 1994 with her husband John. Sharon and John have two grown daughters, Amy and Lyssa Ann, and they live with their dog, Abby.

Political career

She was first appointed to the State House of Representatives in 2007 following the elevation of Joe McDermott to the Senate. Nelson was elected to State Senate in 2010, and was sworn in on December 2, 2010.^[4] In March 2018, Nelson announced that she would retire at the end of her term.^[5]

She was the Democratic Leader of the Washington State Senate, elected to that position by her colleagues in 2013.^[6]

Nelson represented the 34th Legislative District, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, Maury Island, and most of North Highline and Burien.

Awards

• 2009 Fuse Sizzle Award - Intercontinental Smackdown Champion.

for her leadership in the Washington State Legislature and efforts to clean up the lending industry water pollution. Presented by Fuse.^[7]

• 2009 Fuse Sizzle Award - Mother Jones. Presented by Fuse.^[7]